The integration of artificial intelligence and iot with robotic systems is expected to significantly expand their range of applications

  According to a recent study by market research firm GlobalmarketInsights, robotics and automation have become an integral part of modern manufacturing over the past few years. The vast majority of manufacturers are integrating robotic systems in their production facilities to increase capacity, improve margins and reduce operating costs. These trends have generated significant demand for robotic components, including robotic sensors such as 3D vision, force torque, and tactile sensors.

  It is estimated that the global robotic sensor market will be worth more than $4 billion by 2026. The integration of artificial intelligence and iot is expected to significantly expand the range of applications for these sensors, especially in production activities. The recent coronavirus pandemic has led to ongoing lockdowns and trade restrictions in human countries, which have negatively impacted the supply and demand patterns for robotic sensors.

  However, the rise of smart factories in emerging economies is likely to present lucrative opportunities for industrial robots. According to the WorldRoboticsReport2019, nearly 4 million industrial robots are expected to be deployed globally by 2022.

  In terms of products, the robot sensor market is segmented into force/moment sensors, tactile sensors, ultrasonic sensors, laser ranging sensors, vision sensors, and proximity sensors. The study estimates that the ultrasonic segment could grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% over the projected time frame due to the economic cost of these sensors relative to laser distance sensors and their ability to be integrated into smart factory robots for sensing and pre-sensing.

  The development of ultrasonic technology has also enabled several companies to introduce new sensors. In 2019, Toposens introduced 3D ultrasonic sensors that can be used in indoor robotics practices such as collision avoidance and object detection.

  In terms of applications, the domestic industry's demand for the robot sensor market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10% by 2026. Over the past few years, we have witnessed significant adoption of personal and home service robots, including vacuum and cleaning robots, educational robots, toy robots, and assisted and elder care robots.

  Currently, manufacturers are focusing on integrating advanced capabilities such as machine learning, natural language processing and speech recognition into domestic robots, which is likely to increase the demand for advanced robotic sensors.

  Service robots are undergoing tremendous innovation in design and architecture. These robots rely on a large number of sensors to help them perform tasks efficiently in the home environment. In 2019, service robots accounted for more than 30% of the revenue share of the robotic sensor market, and the compound annual growth rate of this segment is expected to reach 10% by 2026.

  Ultrasonic sensors are mainly used in home service robots, providing close-up detection and three-dimensional measurements to help them accurately perform household tasks. In 2019, the market share of ultrasonic sensors exceeded 10%, and its demand is likely to grow at a CAGR of 11% through 2026.

  Considering the regional outlook, the European robotic sensor market share will grow at a CAGR of more than 8% by 2026. Much of the growth in the region can be attributed to the growing digitization in Germany. Europe produces more than 90% of agricultural robots. Regional companies are investing in advanced technologies to improve their competitiveness relative to Chinese companies.

  Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, the consumer electronics sector is experiencing a significant shift of manufacturing units from China to India. The availability of Labour and raw material suppliers in India will benefit the region's prospects.